A ballade is characterized by what literary and musical format?

A ballade is traditionally characterized by a specific structure in both its literary and musical forms. In the context of poetry, a ballade consists of three stanzas, each typically having either seven or eight lines, followed by a shorter envoi. This structure lends itself well to musical settings, where the repetition of themes and phrases can create a sense of continuity and cohesion throughout the piece.

The combination of this formal structure, along with thematic development in the music, contributes to the overall narrative or emotional arc of the ballade, making option B the correct answer. This characteristic allows for the expression of complex emotions and stories, which is a hallmark of the ballade genre in both literature and music.